Kan. Judge Rejects Challenge To Anti-Abortion Law

A Kansas judge has refused to quickly strike down a sweeping anti-abortion law enacted this year by the Legislature.

Shawnee County District Judge Rebecca Crotty this week rejected arguments that lawmakers violated a provision in the Kansas Constitution requiring most legislation to address only one subject.

Crotty’s ruling did not resolve other issues in the lawsuit filed in June by Dr. Herbert Hodes and his daughter, Dr. Traci Nauser. Their lawyer, Rene Netherton, said Friday that challenges to individual provisions in the law will move forward.

The state and the anti-abortion group Kansans for Life saw the ruling as a victory.

The law blocks tax breaks for abortion providers and prohibits them from furnishing instructors or materials for public school courses on sexuality.